Coal Gasifier of General Electric (previously Texaco) design
The gasification of coal and other hydrocarbon sources (e.g., oil shale) is a key technology for meeting environmental requirements and for the production of synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen). In addition to direct usage of the synthesis gas to generate electricity (e.g., fuel cells or low BTU turbines), this gas can be used to provide the feedstock for production of various chemicals to produce synthetic natural gas, and synthetic transportation fuels.
The U.S. DOE Fossil Energy Strategic Plan projects a significant transformation of the energy sector in the U.S. This change is a consequence of decreasing domestic oil and natural gas reserves, an aging electrical power production and delivery system, regional and global environmental challenges, and national security concerns. Energy use in developing nations, such as China and India, is projected to surpass current industrialized countries by 2025. Production-to-reserve ratios for oil and natural gas in North America are approximately 10 years or less. Unless drastic measures are taken to reduce energy use or to rapidly develop a synthetic fuels industry in the U.S., nearly 70% of the petroleum used in the U.S. will need be imported by 2020, versus present U.S. imports of approximately 50%. At this same time, escalating demands for electrical power, coupled with higher gas and oil prices, an aging fleet of coal-fired boilers, and an outdated electricity transmission grid, pose a serious threat to the national economy.
The vast reserves of coal and oil shale in the U.S. provide a potential solution. However, global climate change and the effects of acidic gases, ozone, hazardous air pollutants metals, fine particulate matter, and toxic metals are hurdles to safe and economical exploitation of coal for electrical power and synthetic fuels. Accelerated development of oil sands in Canada will no doubt benefit the U.S. but will not provide enduring national security that is required by DOE, DOD, state governments, and industry. The technologies needed for gasification can be applied to those resources (i.e., coal, oil shale, etc.) available inside the boundaries of the U.S. to provide the desired security.
Many states are promoting coal-utilization development by providing financial support to academia, business councils, bonding and business development authorities, small-business R&D programs, and state-funding research institutes. A number of states provide financial incentives to entice business to perform research and deploy projects in those states. This has spurred interest and opportunities in advanced coal power and coal conversion to gas and liquids projects.
The 2005 Energy Policy Act authorizes a Western Demonstration IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) project for sub-bituminous coal that demonstrates "breakthrough" technology and is CO2 sequestration ready. Several Western states intend to pursue this project, and will possibly use significant state funding to help develop a coalition and perform initial project studies. INL is poised to support the states with systems integration and technology assessment studies. Additional potential INL roles throughout the project—including process modeling, development and execution of test plans, sample collection and analysis plans, and technical monitoring and reporting have been identified. INL has a number of facilities with application to research on coal gasification.
- Contacts:
- Richard Boardman, (208) 526-3038, Send E-mail